Bailey will be next president of 'Chronicle'

Julian Miller, the president of The Augusta Chronicle, has been promoted to publisher of the Savannah Morning News. The announcement was made Tuesday morning by William S. Morris III, the chairman of Morris Publishing Group LLC, and William S. Morris IV, the publishing group's chief executive.

Don Bailey, The Chronicle's general manager, will take Mr. Miller's place.

Morris Publishing Group is the parent company for the two papers. The changes will take effect in January.

Mr. Morris III, the publisher of The Chronicle, described Mr. Miller and Mr. Bailey as visionaries and achievers who have been instrumental in The Chronicle's success.

"They understand the importance of people who work daily to make our publications essential to our readers and advertisers, and each has worked tirelessly to build the teams that make our operations run smoothly," Mr. Morris III said in a statement. "Will and I have tremendous respect and confidence in each of them."

Mr. Miller, 54, will replace Frank Anderson, who is retiring from the Morning News after 13 years at its helm. Mr. Anderson will step down March 31 but will develop new initiatives for the Morris Publishing Group for the rest of 2005.

"It's always tough to replace a leader like Frank," said Jim Currow, who oversees both the Savannah and Augusta operations as the executive vice president of Morris Publishing. "But when you have two long-term executives like Julian and Don ready to move up simultaneously, it shows both the caliber of our work force and the dedication of the company to build within."

Mr. Miller joined The Chronicle in 1979 as the city editor. He rose through the ranks, eventually taking over as general manager in 1988. His title was changed to president in 2002.

"Julian has a lot of knowledge of the community and the government, the way this area works," Mr. Bailey said. "It will be a loss, but Savannah is gaining a great new publisher."

Mr. Miller's contributions to the community exceeded his work with the newspaper.

"Most of us who do volunteer work in Augusta rely on Julian for advice, direction and support," said Pat Blanchard, the president and CEO of Georgia-Carolina Bancshares Inc., the holding company for First Bank of Georgia.

"Julian has a lot of integrity," he said. "He is really a very special part of our community."

Ed Presnell, the president of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, said Mr. Miller "is passionate about the places he lives and does business in."

Mr. Bailey, 43, arrived in Augusta in 1992 as The Chronicle's retail advertising director. He left in 1996 to become the advertising director at the Morning News and returned in 2002 as The Chronicle's general manager.

During the past two years, he has worked closely with Mr. Miller and helped establish several publications, including The McDuffie Mirror in Thomson and Skirt! magazine in Augusta.

Mr. Bailey is also an active member of the community. He is a member of the Augusta Exchange Club and sits on the board of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. He attends Trinity United Methodist Church with his wife, Chelle, and their two sons and daughter.

Mr. Bailey said he is looking forward to this opportunity and hopes to continue to develop and strengthen the company's publications in Augusta.

"Our goal is to do what is best for the community," Mr. Bailey said. "We are fortunate to be in an environment now where we can expand our product ... Our goal is to continue to grow and expand in our community."